Critics Warn Mace’s Sexual Abuse “Hotline” Is Misleading and Ineffective

Sexual abuse and assault advocacy groups are raising alarms over a newly established “hotline” set up by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) for survivors to report their experiences. The hotline, prominently displayed during Mace’s recent speech on the House floor, has sparked controversy regarding its effectiveness and purpose, Mother Jones reported on Tuesday.

During her speech, Mace made serious allegations against her former fiancé and three other men, accusing them of sexual abuse and voyeurism—claims that two of the accused have publicly denied. She further alleged that South Carolina’s Republican Attorney General, Alan Wilson, failed to properly investigate the case despite being presented with evidence, including what she described as nonconsensual sexual images involving her and others.

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Wilson’s office has since issued a statement rejecting Mace’s claims of mishandling the case. While some social media users praised Mace for establishing the hotline, reports suggest the initiative has been met with skepticism. The phone number has reportedly been flooded with prank calls, including people falsely reporting former President Donald Trump, who has faced multiple accusations of sexual misconduct and was found liable for sexual abuse in a civil case.

Critics argue that the hotline lacks essential resources and support for victims. According to journalist Julianne McShane, who tested the line multiple times, it functioned more as a voicemail than an actual crisis resource. Each call resulted in a recorded message from Mace stating, “Hi, this is Congresswoman Nancy Mace, and you’ve reached our office victim hotline. Please note your information is confidential. Please leave a detailed message and we will contact you as soon as possible. You may also text us at this number.”

Advocates warn that such a setup fails to provide the immediate support survivors need. Deborah Freel, who leads the Charleston-based sexual assault survivors organization Tri-County S.P.E.A.K.S., cautioned against using the hotline, emphasizing that it does not connect callers with professional assistance.

“It isn’t a hotline. It’s not connecting a survivor or someone with a concern to the resources that they need at that moment, which is really challenging. If the intention was to get them those resources, then it would be better for them to be directed to either a local or national resource,” Freel said.

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Laura Hudson of the South Carolina Victim Assistance Network expressed even stronger concerns, criticizing Mace’s approach as a step backward for victim support services. “Mace set us back about 25 years,” Hudson stated, highlighting the risks of directing survivors to a voicemail rather than trained professionals.

As the controversy continues, experts urge victims to seek assistance from established crisis networks with trained counselors rather than relying on Mace’s hotline.

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